His comments about what Budaj can bring were interesting. I hadn’t ever thought of a goalie coach’s duties thru the lens of the whole team but it makes a lot of sense
To finish up. A VERY SATISFYING recognition that the games aren’t called evenly by the officials when Anaheim plays and there’s nothing they can do about it:Candid and thoughtful answers from Cronin and I respect it.
- was surprised by the amount of non-hockey work that went in to being an NHL head coach. Time management was an issue for him.
- his “bulldog through it” mentality was problematic once the going became tough, starting with that 8-game losing streak
- end-of-year meeting with management, analytics, and strength coaching that was “intense” and everyone learned what they could have done better
- was embarrassed by the team’s record. Second worst year of his career. “brutal” psychological journey
- feels they were honest and transparent with the kids, if nothing else. But was perhaps too vocal, PV told him to back off a couple times
- Gudas (and other leaders) will step into the space where Cronin was “bulldogging” before and that will make the message more effective and less counterproductive
- praised Newell Brown, Johnson, Ferguson, but said he needed guys who were better complements to him
- his reflex is to not negotiate with the players. He thinks that if a coach asks you to do something, you do it. But players don’t tolerate that these days and he wants to adapt, and so the new coaches are there to help him navigate that better. Singled out Clune in particular about it. Spoke in detail about why he wanted each new coach and how he felt it would help
- he coached with Randy Carlyle in Toronto. RC: “you goalie coaches only have to worry about 2 flippin’ guys, you have it easy.” Picked Budaj as goalie coach because he worried about goalies in terms of the entire roster
- thinks it’ll be easier this year because the players know him, know the drills, and the coaches have the benefit of analytics correction over the summer
Have to pause to put the kid to bed, right before he starts talking about Leo.
This is when influential owners need step in….— Penalties. From 2005 to now, “whoa. Something’s wrong here.” We commit penalties. But it’s legit to ask why they’re not being called when committed against us. We’re going to talk to the officials about it. We told the players to expect uneven calls - “we’re not going to win the penalty battles.” It’s not going to be called even. Can’t control what they call, can only control ourselves. It’s sad but it’s what we have to do.
This was the most interesting note. Jeez, what the heck is Jackson afraid of? What phobia does he have? Good that he is conquer whatever it is. That definitely shouldn’t have been leaked…— Example - LaCombe. Great player, had a terrible year. I WAS TOO HARD ON HIM. It made a hard year worse. Chose the wrong tactic with him. At the end of the year he told me that he’s not naturally a hitter and he wanted to be more physical. He put on ten pounds over the summer and took boxing lessons. Sought out a friend in special forces who taught him about embracing fear. “Confronted his fear.” “I don’t want to violate confidentiality.” [I think maybe he did though].
Didn't Bruce Boudreau also say something along the lines that he had heard (before becoming the head coach) that the Ducks get screwed by the refs but didn't expect it to be as bad as it was? I think he mentioned this in some interview/podcast/whatever after he was no longer employed by the Ducks. I couldn't find the quote with a quick googling.The penalty thing was so hilarious and sad. He's been here one year and is already like yeah, this franchise is f***ed with the refs.
I really enjoyed the interview. He took it seriously and honestly. I think it's the only interview of this length I've ever sat through and paid attention.
Interesting points and some impressive self-reflection there. But I would like to remind everyone that we once rehired a self-certified "changed man" in Randy Carlyle and that didn't really work out too well.
I don't trust a single "I've changed, trust me" from a coach before he demonstrates it.
To be clear, I don’t think he was necessarily making an exhaustive list of leaders although he did talk about the leadership value of each of those guys specifically after he listed them, so who knows.Also, at certain points I could sense the defiance in his words and tone. I am a little worried how he is going to react to another losing season, because it seems he really took last year hard.
Also, strome isn't part of the leadership group so my disdain is therefore justified. No questions please.
Funny enough, 35 wins was the number Cronin picked as how many they could have reasonably had last season.I'm not expecting a Bednar-style turnaround or anything, but I'll finally join the Cronin criticism choir if Cronin's reflection, staff changes and Gudas' captaincy doesn't result at least like 35 wins.
I guess it was planted in my subconsciousness!Funny enough, 35 wins was the number Cronin picked as how many they could have reasonably had last season.
Interesting points and some impressive self-reflection there. But I would like to remind everyone that we once rehired a self-certified "changed man" in Randy Carlyle and that didn't really work out too well.
I don't trust a single "I've changed, trust me" from a coach before he demonstrates it.
Interesting points and some impressive self-reflection there. But I would like to remind everyone that we once rehired a self-certified "changed man" in Randy Carlyle and that didn't really work out too well.
I don't trust a single "I've changed, trust me" from a coach before he demonstrates it.